Two of the suspected k!llers of a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka, have escaped from police custody.
The lawmaker was abducted by gunmen in Inland Town, Onitsha on December 24, 2024.
A joint security team recovered his decomposed body at Second Niger Bridge in Onitsha on February 6, 2025, and arrested nine suspects in connection with the kidnap and m8rder.
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the latest development in a statement on Tuesday, February 18, said police have activated an operational plan to re-arrest the fleeing suspects, adding that the erring officers will face direct disciplinary action against the officers for their negligent act.
According to the PPRO, the two suspects escaped while assisting the Police Investigating Officers in an operation to arrest the receiver of the vehicles that the gang used in their criminal activities.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc MNIPS PhD, on receipt of the report today 18th February 2025 about the escape of the two suspects involved in the murder of Late Hon Justice Azuka, Member Representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the State House of Assembly,” the statement read.
“He has consequently deployed both human, operational and intelligence assets of the Command for the re-arrest of the suspects and directed immediate disciplinary action against the Officers found wanton in this regard.
“Preliminary information reveals that following the confession of the criminal gang, two of the suspects assisted the Police Investigating Officers in an Operation to arrest the receiver and recover the Operational vehicles that the gang used in their deadly activities.
“During the onslaught operation by the Operatives, the suspect (the receiver) was arrested and two vehicles suspected to have been snatched from the unsuspecting members of the public were recovered. Unfortunately, the other two suspects fled the scene.
“To this end, the *CP* assured that the Command is on the offensive against every criminal element in the State and that efforts are in top gear to ensure that the suspects are re-arrested and justice served. The erring Officers will also face disciplinary action if found culpable.”